Heather Morris's Blog

            Winter thaw and spring rains have caused home-owners grief with water entering their homes.  I have a few recommendations for protecting your home and valuables from water.             Prior to winter thaw and spring rains, every home-owner should quick inspect their sump pit and pump...

            An age old question in the real estate business is "If I remodel to meet my needs, will I get my money back?" The answer to the question is case by case.  Home-owner motivators to remodeling usually include lot characteristics, school district, work commute, and family.  Home-owner mo...

    Agency... Customer or Client?             The choice is yours.  How do you want to be represented in your next real estate transaction?  Before committing to a real estate relationship, make sure you understand and approve in writing the type of agency that you want.              As a custome...

  Several times a week I will have someone ask me the difference between assessed and appraised value?  Should they be the same or should one be higher or lower then the other? How does that effect me?  These two words are commonly mistaken for each other and both are used frequently when relatin...

            Isn't it interesting how some homes go up for sale and sell almost immediately and others stay for sale for what seems to be an eternity?  Many homes that are on the market for a while even lower their price, and still don't sell.  From a realtor's perspective, homes that are not prep...

  So, if you can't see it, taste it, or smell it, why do I care if my house has radon?  Homeowners today are wondering why there is so much concern with radon testing.  In 1998, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released a report that 12% of all lung cancer deaths are linked to radon.  Radon...

Home Staging... A seller's secret             Did you ever wonder why some homes sell faster and for more money then yours?  One factor might be the other home was "staged" properly.  Homes that have been prepared to sell often have more buyer demand regardless of the market conditions.  Home sta...

Make it Maintenance Free             Have you looked outside lately?  In our real estate market, temperatures can range from freezing cold to a high summer humidity with temps in the ninety's.  A maintenance free exterior is a key factor in the appreciation of your home's value.             The f...

    The Internet Mortgage             On line shopping saves you time and allows you to price compare in your convenience.  Should your home mortgage be any different?  Local buyers are finding the traditional safeguards are not applicable when shopping on-line.  When shopping on line for your ne...

The Virtual Open House             "I'm so relieved, "says the seller, "no open houses!"  So many times, we clean the house, pack up the kids and pets, and leave for the day to find that nobody came to the open house other then our neighbors and co-workers.  Technology continues to change the way...